Tailoring of Au-TiO2 nanoparticles conjugated with doxorubicin for their synergistic response and photodynamic therapy applications

[Display omitted] •Au-TiO2 nanoparticles conjugated with doxorubicin (DOX) were synthesized for new photodynamic therapy (PDT).•Anatase/rutile phase junction effect combined with plasmonic resonance are amplified in Au- TiO2 conjugated with DOX.•Au-TiO2 plays a key role in photocatalytic activity via the development of a new energy bandgap in the composite.•Cancer-cell viability loss of up to 70%.•Empirical modeling was performed for statistical analysis of biotoxicity towards the breast cancer cell line. Au-TiO2 nanoparticles conjugated with doxorubicin (DOX) were synthesized for new photodynamic therapy (PDT) plans and for comprehensive and reliable treatment of breast cancer-related acute diseases. The anatase/rutile phase junction effect combined with plasmonic resonance is amplified in Au- TiO2 conjugated with DOX, leading to a synergistic response of PDT. Au-TiO2 plays a key role in photocatalytic activity via the development of a new energy bandgap in the composite. The capsules of Au-TiO2@DOX can readily diffuse into the tumor’s vicinity because of the acidic environment of the tissue core, where DOX acts as a photosensitizing agent when Au-TiO2 is excited by an optimal dose of ultraviolet (UV) light, and it demonstrated that a cancer-cell viability loss of up to 70%. This was confirmed by various analytic techniques: reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence, cell mortality assay, MTT assay, apoptosis detection assay, and membrane integrity assay. Furthermore, empirical modeling was performed for statistical analysis of biotoxicity towards the breast cancer cell line. The results acclaim the targeted photokilling efficacy of Au-TiO2@DOX nanocomposites for breast malignancy treatment, as well as in vivo applications, owing to their biocompatible properties for healthy tissues, and as an embattled weapon for breast cancer. After vigilant investigation, it is expected that these ongoing research outcomes will contribute significantly to actual treatment of breast cancer.